Epimedium grandiflorum Lilafee (Barrenwort)
Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Lilafee’ (Barrenwort) is a deciduous, rhizomatous perennial with attractive, oval, pointed leaves that emerge bronze-purple in spring, gradually aging to green for the summer, and then back to bronze-purple in fall. In mid to late spring, open sprays of amethyst purple flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with long white spurs, hover on the ends of wiry stems, well above the foliage. Though the flowers may only last for a few weeks, the lovely foliage will captivate interest all season long.
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' (Barrenwort) is a deciduous, rhizomatous perennial with attractive, oval, pointed leaves that emerge bronze-purple in spring, gradually aging to green for the summer, and then back to bronze-purple in fall. In mid to late spring, open sprays of amethyst purple flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with long white spurs, hover on the ends of wiry stems, well above the foliage. Though the flowers may only last for a few weeks, the lovely foliage will captivate interest all season long. Perfect as a ground cover, for erosion control, in shady rock gardens, as edging, and planted under mature trees.
- Grows up to 8-12 in. tall (20-30 cm) and 12-16 in. wide (30-40 cm). Will spread by creeping rhizomes to form attractive colonies over time.
- Performs best in part shade to full shade in average, acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Humus-rich, fertile, moist soils in part shade are preferred. Drought tolerant once established. Protect from cold, dry winds.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Rabbit and deer tolerant.
- Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, shade gardens or containers. Excellent as a groundcover.
- Propagate by division in fall or after flowering.
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring for the best display of new foliage and flowers.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 2 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Epimedium – Barrenworts |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ – 16″ (30cm – 40cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |